Alaska is one of the greatest tourist spots on earth. But what makes it an attractive landscape even to Americans is the Kenai Peninsula, a dreamy stretch of land jutting out of the southern coast of the state.
Quite understandably, it has been called, ‘Alaska’s Playground’. This is because the Kenai Peninsula harbours a miniature Alaska in terms of fauna, flora and even the climate. If you want to get a taste of the real Alaska, this is one place you must visit. Its rivers abound in red salmon and otters. Its famous Kachemak Bay estuaries are home to shorebirds and the Kenai wetlands boast of sandhill cranes. The remarkable fjords are home to varieties of puffins and auklets. The sight of the regal moose in the willow thickets will amaze you. The Dall sheep are unlike anything you have seen before.
The lakes and rivers of Kenai with their brilliant turquoise colour are just the right blend of snowmelt and glacial water. You can go rafting, fishing and searching for wondrous trails in the shores. If you are looking for the wildest whitewater in Alaska, you will find it here. The Kenai is also home to scenic waterways that make it one of the most charming places on earth. Cooper Landing and Moose Pass along with the communities of Kenai, Soldotna and Sterling offer some great spots for wildlife, fish and scenery.
The Kenai Peninsula also offers a breathtaking view in the form of Homer Spit, a narrow stretch of land that follows into the ocean. All around you are mountains, glaciers and the Kachemak Bay. For a small fee, you can hop on a water taxi to lush forests and glaciers of the Bay. In fact, the Cook Inlet has been known to record the 2nd highest extreme tidal activity and has therefore revealed a diverse variety of shellfish. You can harvest as well as taste these here.
Kenai Peninsula Location Map
Facts about Kenai Peninsula
- According to the 2012 estimate, the population of the Kenai Peninsula is only 56,900.
- With mild climate that experiences abundant rainfall, this is one of the few regions in Alaska that offers scope for agriculture.
- Huge deposits of coal, petroleum and natural gas are found in this region.
- Tourism is a major industry and one of the main sources of income here.
Where is Kenai Peninsula ?
Located in the south of Alaska, Kenai Peninsula is miles and miles of unadulterated adventure. To the west of the Peninsula separating it from mainland, lie Cook Inlet and to its east, Prince William Sound. It stretches over a vast expanse of 150 miles from the Chugach Mountains. A large part of the Peninsula falls under the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
Once you reach Alaska from any of the other states and land at the airport, you will get many scheduled flights to Homer, Kenai, Seward and Soldotna. You can also choose from a variety of resorts and lodges and plan your trip through car rentals.
Best time to visit Kenai Peninsula
The best time to visit the Kenai Peninsula is usually the time to visit Alaska as well. Anytime between May 10 and September 15 is a good time to take in the pleasures of the Kenai with the full bloom of the sun. Most of the tours operate between May to September.
More about Kenai Peninsula
Nearby Attractions : Nikiski, Kasilof, Clam Gulch,Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Seldovia.
Related : Kenai Peninsula Borough Map | Alaska Location Map | Alaska National Parks | List of Hotels in Alaska